Control system for a load handling clamp

Abstract

A control system for a load-handling clamp includes first and second load-engaging surfaces for selectively gripping and releasing a load disposed between said surfaces. At least one of said surfaces is selectively movable toward the other by a hydraulic actuator. At least one fluid valve assembly variably regulates a maximum hydraulic clamping pressure capable of causing the actuator to move one of the surfaces toward the other in a load clamping movement. Preferably, a load geometry sensor produces an electrical effect that varies as a function of the geometric profile of the load. A data receiver preferably also obtains load identification information related to at least one characteristic of the load, other than the load's geometry. A controller, in response to the data receiver and load geometry sensor, operates to control the valve assembly's regulation of the maximum hydraulic clamping pressure. In order to prepare for the load clamping movement, the controller is preferably also capable of enabling the actuator to move one of said surfaces toward the other in an initial clamp closing movement at a maximum hydraulic closing pressure greater than the maximum hydraulic clamping pressure. Thereafter the controller enables the load clamping movement at a pressure level substantially no greater than the maximum hydraulic clamping pressure.

1. A control system comprising:
 (a) a controller for a load-handling clamp having first and second load-engaging surfaces for selectively gripping respective dissimilar units of multiple loads between said surfaces, at least one of said surfaces being selectively movable toward the other by a clamping actuator; 
 (b) said controller being capable of variably regulating a clamping force setting causing said actuator to move said one of said surfaces toward the other in a load gripping movement; 
 (c) said controller being operable to receive information variably describing a respective geometric configuration and a respective load-type identifier applicable to each of said dissimilar units of said multiple loads, said controller further being operable to automatically select a respective different optimal clamping force setting for each of said dissimilar units from predetermined multiple different optimal clamping force settings depending upon both said respective geometric configuration and said respective load-type identifier in combination. 
 
     
     
       2. The control system of  claim 1  wherein said controller is further operable to select said respective geometric configuration from predetermined multiple different geometric configurations. 
     
     
       3. The control system of  claim 1  wherein said controller is operable to identify an error in said optimal clamping force setting.